Tales of the Unexpected #1 (February-March 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits SchiffTrivia: Issue has 3 science fiction and one mystery story. Cover: The Cartoon That Came to Life (1 page)
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely Characters: Don Doyle; Dragon Man of Mars Ad: Garcelon Stamp Co.: “Free! British African Stamps and Free Booklet” (1 page)
The Out-of-The-World Club (comic story) (6 pages) (Note title error)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice (signed as J. P.)
Inks: John Prentice (signed as J. P.)
Reprinted:
in Century, The 100 Page Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #7 Story: Ross Rand, a New York physician and jazz fan, attends a new venue in New York City, the Out-of-the-World Club. The employees and musicians there are escaped alien prisoners of the Star Police raising money to buy radioactive materials for their disabled spaceship. Characters: Ross Rand, New York physician; Nico Vrann, alien proprietor of the Out-Of-The World Club; Johnson, a music expert; Tharo, Kjar, Jor and one other are alien musicians; , captured members of the Star Police Notes: First person story; Club Careless is a New York City Jazz club Genre: Science Fiction (aliens) Moolah the Mystic: “Ah – the crystal ball tells me this will be a bad day for you!” (comic story) (.67 page) Script: Henry Boltinoff Pencils: Henry Boltinoff Inks: Henry Boltinoff Story: Moolah’s crystal ball predicts a client will have a bad day. Reprinted
In Adventure Comics #281 (February, 1961) (NOTE:Source not credited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Co.: Daisy Gunbook Ready (.33 page) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professor Eureka: “These pyramids will give me lots of information …” (comic story) (1 page) Script: Henry Boltinoff Pencils: Henry Boltinoff Inks: Henry Boltinoff Story: Eureka and his aide find hieroglyphics in an ancient pyramid
The Dream Lamp (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice Story: Old Cyrus Perkins, a New England storyteller, entertains visitors to a country store with his tall tales of being present at recent historic events around the world. Characters: Cyrus Perkins, a New England storyteller; Danvers, a safari guide; Marston; Walker Notes: Sport Adventure, a magazine; Centerville, a New England town; Centerville Call, a newspaper; The Volcanic, a ship leaving San Francisco to explore the South Pole; Mount Airy Trivia: There is a Centerville in every New England state (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine) except New Hampshire Trivia: The Descendants of Cyrus Perkins by Charles Bloomer (The Christopher Publishing House, Boston, Massachestts, 1932) was a fictional account of a small New England town, Tarver, Massachusetts. Trivia: There was a real Sport Adventure Magazine published By Four Star Publications that began at least in 1957 (see**http://adventures-of-the-blackgang.tumblr.com/post/5538071242/devil-cats-sport-adventure-magazine-1957**) Genre: Science Fiction [the nature of the lamp is never explained, and appears to be a scientific instrument rather than magical]
Reprinted:
in Century, The 100 Page Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #6 (NOTE: GCD credits John Prentice on art here)
in DC Special (DC, 1968 series) #4 (July-September 1969) (NOTE: GCD credits Leonard Starr on art here)
PSA: Buzzy: Do You Know How To Be A Good Baby Sitter? (1 page) Script: Jack Schiff (credit taken from Adventure #221 and Batman #97) Pencils: Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure #221 and Batman #97) Inks: Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure #221 and Batman #97) Letters: Ira Schnapp (credit taken from Batman #97) Character: Buzzy, Susie, Mrs. Williams, Johnny Williams Reprinted (also ran in --?)
In Adventure Comics (1938 series) #221 (February 1956)
In Batman (1940 series) #97 (February 1956)
Moolah the Mystic: “And it gives me great pleasure to introduce Moolah the Mystic …” (comic story) (1 page) Script: Henry Boltinoff Pencils: Henry Boltinoff Inks: Henry Boltinoff Story: Moolah demonstrates hypnotism on TV
The Secret of Cell Sixteen (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Jack Miller (credit from Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics)
Pencils: Howard Purcell (signed as H. P.)
Inks: Charles Paris Story: Charles Duval is captured during fourth attempt on the life on King Louis XIV and imprisoned. The king tells him if he finds the secret way out of his cell in the Bastille in Paris, he’ll spare his life.
Characters: Charles Duval, King Louis XIV
Time: March 7, 1914 Trivia: the real King Louis XIV ruled until September 1, 1715 and was 75 in the date of this story (though pictured younger) Trivia: A a ‘Cell 17’ in the Wildcat story in Sensation Comics #90 (June, 1949);a ‘Cell 32’ was featured in a story in All-True Crime #42 (January, 1951); and a ‘Cell 13’ played a role in a story in House of Mystery #12 (March, 1953). Genre: Mystery [there are no fantastic elements present]
Reprinted:
in Century, The 100 Page Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #4
in World's Finest Comics (DC, 1941 series) #157 (May 1966) (NOTE: The title here in the GCD is shown as “16” and not “Sixteen”)
in Superman Presents Tip Top Comic Monthly (1965 series) #17 [circa 1966-1968]
Exposing Famous Ghost Stories (text) (2 pages) Script: Jack Miller (signed) Synopsis: A ghost mare returns for his dying former owner, and other recycled ghost stories Note: Miller states a Hollywood producer bought an updated story and made a movie about a man seeing an actual crime being committed elsewhere, but reflected in his bedroom mirror
The Cartoon That Came to Life (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Otto Binder
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Don Doyle; Editor Al Barton of the Midcity Sentinel Synopsis: Don Doyle is a cartoonist who's alien comic strip creation,The Dragon Man from Mars, suddenly comes to life. Notes: The Dragon man appears above Ace Plastics Company Genre: Science Fiction [aliens] Trivia: Perhaps significant is that Doyle does not stop the alien invasion due to unexpected circumstances
Reprinted:
In From Beyond The Unknown (DC, 1969 series) #24 (September-October, 1973) (Note: the story here is assigned job number S-1567)
Ad: Jersey Co.: 100 Toy Soldiers $1.25 (1 page) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ad: Cheerful Card Company: “Do You Need Extra Money? $40.00 is yours!” (1 page) Ad: Jowett Institute: “I gained 53 lbs. of Shapely Power-Packed Muscles” (1 page) Note: features photos of Roger D. Hirsch and George F. Jowett Ad: Wilson Chem. Co.: “Given – Given – Given” (1 page) (back cover) Tales of the Unexpected #2 (April-May 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 2 science fiction, one mystery and one fantasy story.
Cover: The Gorilla Who Saved the World! (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr Characters: Jonas Starr’s gorilla; Lt. Alvin Wood; Collins, a police officer Trivia: First of only two gorilla covers – the other is #14 Ad: Art Instruction Inc.: “Draw Me! (a brunette with short hair)” (1 page)
The Magic Hats of M'sieu La Farge (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Inks: Ruben Moreira (signed) Characters: Andre and his wife; LaFarge, a shop owner; Renouf; Watteau; Henri; Carl Mentioned: Napoleon (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821); Eric Monage, a killer; Judge Le Grange, a renowned judge; famous gambler, Prince Dupre; John Eli, a public benefactor; Hans Wolfgang, a master thief; Missionary E R Clark; Nostradamus (14 or 21 December 1503 – 2 July 1566) Synopsis: LaFarge’s Hat Shop has the hats of many famous people that transfer the original owner’’s personalities to those who wear them. Three men want to the hats of a killer, gambler, and thief but are fooled by the shop owner. Trivia: The legend of LaFarge’s hat began 51 years ago (in 1905?) when Jacques, a timid peasant, wears Napoleon’s hat and becomes courageous; Renouf wants to wear the hat of Eric Monage, a killer, for revenge on Carl, who returns the money – but hat of Judge Le Grange, a renowned judge; Watteau wants the hat of a famous gambler, Prince Dupre, but he gives away all his money instead – he had the hat of John Eli, a public benefactor; Henri wants Hans Wolfgang, a master thief, but ends up turning over a new leaf after wearing the hat of Missionary E R Clark. LaFarge wore Nostradamus’ hat. Setting: French town of Rousseau, celebrating the 100th Anniversary Masquerade Ball; M’Seiu LaFarge’s Hat Shop Genre: Fantasy [though unexplained, the hats clearly have magical powers] Ad: American Seed Co.: “Boys! Girls! Get These Prizes! Its Quick and Easy!” (1 page) PSA: Binky: “Its Fun To Belong!” (1 page) Script:Jack Schiff (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38) Pencils:Win Mortimer (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38) Inks:Win Mortimer (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38) Letters:Ira Schnapp (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38) Characters:Binky Biggs; Allergy Biggs; Sally; Joe; Frank Synopsis:Binky offers a solution for summer boredom. Indexer Notes: Published as a public service in cooperation with the National Social Welfare Assembly coordinating organization for national health, welfare and recreation agencies in the U.S. Reprinted (also ran in --?)
The Adventures of Bob Hope (1950 series) #38 (April-May 1956)
Batman (1940 series) #99 (April 1956)
The Brave and the Bold (1955 series) #5 (April-May 1956)
The Fox and the Crow (1952 series) #32 (April 1956)
Peter Panda (1953 series) #17 (April-May 1956)
Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (1954 series) #12 (April 1956)
Wonder Woman (1942 series) #81 (April 1956) (no Scnapp credit)
Adventure Comics (1938 series) #223 (April 1956) (no Scnapp credit)
Adventures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis (1952 series) #28 (April 1956) (no Scnapp credit)
Detective Comics (1937 series) #230 (April 1956)
The Fastest Man Alive (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Draut
Inks: Mort Meskin Characters: Clyde Baird; Adam Jessup; Jones, a mechanic Synopsis: Adam Jessup has lost every race to his childhood rival Clyde Baird and is determined to finally beat him. Trivia: Jessup supposedly beat a speed record in his plane at 850 miles per hour and 3 hours and 32 minutes. The transcontinental record at the time of this story’s publication was 3 hours and 46 minutes, set March 9, 1955. The fictional record was broken on July 16, 1957 at 3 hours and 23 minutes. The real life flight speed record was 822.1mph, set in October, 1955, and both real and fictional speed records were bested on 10 March 1956 at 1,132mph Trivia: “Introducing The Flash... Fastest Man Alive!” appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940) and the revival occurred in Showcase #4 (September-October 1956), just a couple of months after this story Genre: Science Fiction [though Jessup wants Baird to believe his powers are supernatural, he has invented a ship capable of space flight] House ad: “The one and only Superman!” (1 page) Contains Superman figure with rocket; plus the covers to World’s Finest # 81 (March-April 1956), Superman # 104 (March 1956), Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #11 (March 1956) and Action # 214 (March 1956) “On Sale at All Newsstands”
Moolah the Mystic: ["Can I see you, sir?"] (filler) (1 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Reprinted:
in House of Mystery (DC, 1951 series) #172 (January-February 1968)
The Record of Doom (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely Characters: Jack Marshall, a radio DJ at station KBL; Inspector Cook; Mark Randolph (fell from his 18th floor apartment at 15th and Elm), 24th Street Subway entrance Synopsis: A song on the radio is reportedly causing listeners to commit suicide In truth, a radio DJ is playing a song he wrote and planting fake suicide notes at the scene of deaths around the city. Setting: July 3 and after Trivia: some hit song lyrics include “You’re my great big beautiful doll” ["Oh, You Beautiful Doll" is a ragtime love song published in 1911 and featured in 1951’s Strangers on a Train, and 1953’s The Eddie Cantor Story], “All through the night, I’ll be holding you tight”, “for me there’s only one day of the week that makes me want to shriek, It’s a blue, blue Monday, when sinister spirits seem to take hold of me” Trivia: "Blue Monday" was first recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1954 and popularized by Fats Domino in 1956 and featured in the 1956 film “The Girl Can't Help It” (released 1 December 1956). Trivia: First person story Trivia: Newspapers include The Daily Reporter, The Evening Register, The Star Ledger and the Mid City Post-Gazette (a Pittsburgh newspaper) Trivia: The city appears to be a mix of Philadelphia and Allenton, Pennsylvania. There was an aboveground 24th Street Subway in Philadelphia (near Market Street) that was closed November 6, 1955 and the radio station’s call letters suggests KDKA, the world’s first commercial radio station. 15th and Elm is the location of the YMCA in Allentown, Pennsylvania, just 2 miles from 24th Street. Trivia: The 1927 Lon Chaney film, LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT was said to make insane any who saw it. Trivia: Much later, Jack Marshall is the name of the fictional protagonist of DC Comics’ The Hacker Files, a limited series published in 1992 and 1993 Genre: Mystery [where are no ‘real’ fantastic elements in this story, only hinted at] Reprinted
In Five-Score Plus Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray) #21 (c 1960)
Some Famous Haunted Houses (text story) (2 pages)
Script: George Kashdan (signed)
Pencils: Raymond Perry
Inks: Raymond Perry Trivia: Limited Collectors' Edition#C-32 (December 1974-January 1975) had a different fact feature called “Famous Haunted Houses”
The Gorilla Who Saved the World (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr Characters: Professor Jonas Starr of Colbert College; Lt. Alvin Wood; Judge Dermott; Collins, a police officer; Shrudlar, an alien Synopsis: A university professor, testing his invention for thought transference, seems to have accidentally switches minds with his pet gorilla. In reality, he was controlling the gorilla’s actions and feigning his own wild actions, to hide the fact his device detected an alien attack fleet. Trivia: There is an O’Henry type ending where its revealed that the gorilla may have intelligence by arranging alphabet blocks to read “People Are Funny” (radio’s Art Linkletter and the identically named program moved to television on September 19, 1954) Trivia: Congo Bill first transformed into Congorilla a few years later, in Action Comics #248 (January 1959) Genre: Science Fiction Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page) Ad: Stuart Greetings Inc.: “Need extra spending money? Here’s $50 to Use As You Please!” (1 page) Ad: Charles Atlas: “Check the kind of body you want!” (1 page) Photo of Charles Atlas Ad: Lucky Products: “Kids! Be the First to Send for This New Plastic Aircraft Carrier with 5 Catapulting Jets!” (1 page) Tales of the Unexpected #3 (June-July 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 1 science fiction, two mysterys and one fantasy story.
Cover: The Master of 100 Wigs! (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Letters: Ira Schnapp ? Characters: John ‘Whitey’ Tate, a jewel thief Ad: Wilson Chem. Co.: “Given – Given – Given– Given” (1 page)
The Highway to Tomorrow (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Howard Purcell
Inks: Howard Purcell Characters: Steve Morgan; Young Deer; Running Deer; Mr. McCoy, a realtor; Mr. Gale, construction boss; John and Martha, a married couple Synopsis: An inventor develops an Auto-Rail Highway - a Car Monorail system designed to be a Highway to Tomorrow – in Zuni Canyon, an Indian burial ground. A realtor tries to sabotage the project to mine the rich uranium deposit in the canyon. Trivia: The Zuni are Native American tribe, one of the Pueblo peoples that live in the Pueblo of Zuni on the Zuni River, a tributary of the Little Colorado River, in western New Mexico, United States. Trivia: New Mexico was a significant uranium producer following the discovery of uranium by Navajo sheepherder Paddy Martinez in 1950 Trivia: Zuni curse cited is “Who disturbs my bones will soon know death” Trivia: A Scooby-Doo style mystery Genre: Mystery House Ad: “A New Star Has Been Added to the Superman-DC ‘Line of Stars’” (1 page) Ad for Jackie Gleason and the Honeymooners #1 (July 1956) Trivia: A 4-issue series ended at St. John in December 1955
PSA: Binky: Pioneers of 1976! (public service announcement) (1 page)
Script: Jack Schiff
Pencils: Win Mortimer
Inks: Win Mortimer
Letters: Gaspar Saladino
Characters: Binky; Allergy
Synopsis: Binky gets the kids to see that they too might be able to make important scientific discoveries in the future.
Published in cooperation with the National Social Welfare Assembly. Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Adventure Comics #225 (June 1956)
The Brave and the Bold #6 (June-July 1956) [has Ira Schnapp as letterer]
Flippity & Flop #28 (June-July 1956)
Gang Busters #52 (June-July 1956) [has Ira Schnapp as letterer]
The Man Nobody Could See (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Mort Meskin
Inks: Mort Meskin Characters: Conn; Mrs. Hanson, his landlady Synopsis: A man accidentally invents an invisibility formula but the police – searching for him in a series of bank robberies – have the antidote. Trivia: A first person story. Genre: Science fiction
Reprinted:
in Unexpected, The (DC, 1968 series) #130 (December 1971) [assigned Job number B-1142]
in Hundred Comic Monthly, The (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #3
in Weird Mystery Tales (K G Murray) #40 [1979]
Ad: DeLuxe Photo Service: “631 Movie & TV Star Pictures 25 cents” (.5 page) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moolah the Mystic: “I’ll look up my old friend Darro the Fire-Eater!” (.5 page) Script: Henry Boltinoff Pencils: Henry Boltinoff Inks: Henry Boltinoff Letters: Henry Boltinoff Characters: Moolah the Mystic, Darro the Fire Eater
Professor Eureka: "I'm convinced that some early specimen..." (comic story) (1 page
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Letters: Henry Boltinoff
Characters: Professor Eureka
I Lost My Past (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Mort Drucker
Inks: Mort Drucker Characters: Paul Martin; Jim Welling; Mr. Conlon, high school principal
Synopsis: Paul Martin returns to his home town during Mardi Gras but finds that none of his old friends remember him. Trivia: A first person story. Trivia: Martin was an honor student in Chemistry at his high school in 1935; later worked for a government lab; other classmates included John Marsdon, Albert Meile, Hal Nelson, Ruby Newman and Joan Munson; his undercover name was Otto Gruber, No. 1976520, File 197-49 Trivia: The plot – though not the resolution -- is very similar to Charles Beaumont’s “The Man Who Made Himself” that appeared in Imagination, February 1957, and was later adapted for Twilight Zone as “In His Image” Genre: Mystery
Reprinted:
in Century, The 100 Page Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #10
in Strange Adventures (DC, 1950 series) #216 (January-February 1969)
Secrets of the Voodoo (text story) (2 pages)
Script: George Kashdan (signed)
Pencils: ? (illustration)
Inks: ? (illustration) (illustration)
Superstitions about Spiders (comic story) (0.67 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: ?
Inks: ? NOTE: There were same titled features in
My Greatest Adventure (1955 series) #41 (March 1960) (0.67 pages)
House of Mystery (1951 series) #183 (November-December 1969) (0.5 pages)Script:Julius Schwartz?; Pencils:Morris Waldinger?; Inks:Tommy Nicolosi?
Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery (2006 series) #1 (2006) (0.5 pages)Script:Julius Schwartz?; Pencils:Morris Waldinger?; Inks:Tommy Nicolosi?
The last 3 are *likely* the same story, with the TOTU #3 entry reprinted in MGA #41 Ad: Palisades Park: Superman, 25 cent coupon (.33 page)
The Man With 100 Wigs (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Jack Miller
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice Characters: John ‘Whitey’ Tate (as Johnson), a jewel thief Synopsis: A thief steals wigs from Duval’s, a costume shop, that belonged to the Sorceror Sarci, some of which grant the powers of Houdini, Samson, and Leonardo da Vinci Trivia: First person story Trivia: The premise is similar to “The Magic Hats of M'sieu La Farge” in issue #2 Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
in Doom Patrol, The (DC, 1964 series) #117 (February 1968)
Ad: Lucky Products: “100 Autos, Buses & Trucksonly $1.25” (1 page) Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page) Ad: Movyland Studios: “Any photo copied – 20 billfold photos -- $1 sent on approval” (.33 page) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ad: Dean Studios: “Please Give Me a Home at almost no cost! Your new, real, live, miniature dog!” (.67 page) Tales of the Unexpected #4 (August 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 3 mysteries and one fantasy story.
Cover: The House Where Dreams Come True (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice Characters: Mother Moore, Laura Ad: Wilson Chemical Co.: “Boys! Girls! Women! Men! Given! Given!” (1 page)
Seven Steps to the Unknown (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Reprinted:
in House of Mystery (DC, 1951 series) #228 (December 1974-January 1975) [assigned job number J-3786] Characters: Chester Combs, millionaire (“Rich man”); Joe Smith, hobo (“poor man”); Benny, blind man (“Beggarman”); Emmet Saunders, detective; Craig, detective; Marty Kirk, ex-convict (“Theif”); Zara, convict; John Charlton, English surgeon (“Doctor”); Judge Moore (“Lawyer”); Jim Doyle, baseball player for the Indians (“Indian Chief”); Roy Conway, producer of the TV show ‘Guess’ [killed in a plane crash]; one armed man was the pilot Synopsis: 7 seemingly unrelated men are targeted for death, with only an imprisoned fake psychic named Zara able to predict the attempts on their life. Trivia: Hollywood based TV show ‘Guess’, $100,000 giveaway trivia show Trivia: A Scooby-Doo mystery Genre: Mystery Ad: House ad: Contest to create slogans for DC Comics (1 page) Insets of Superman, Batman and Tomahawk
The Day I Broke All Records (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff Characters: Jim; Jonas Sawyer, museum curator Synopsis: For saving a museum curators life, Jim is given the contents of a 15th century Roman urn, an elixer created by Varius, a sorcerer, who, likewise was saved by the Roman fighter Apulius. As a reward, Apulius was given the elixir that give him super powers and allowed him to beat the Greek Malinae in arena combat. Trivia: First person story Genre: Fantasy PSA: Peter Porkchops “The Case of the Careless Camper” (1 page) Script:Jack Schiff (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227) Pencils:Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227) Inks:Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227) Letters:Ira Schnapp (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227) Characters: Peter Porkchops, Bear, Wolf Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Adventure Comics (1938 series) #227 (August 1956)
Adventures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis (1952 series) #31 (August 1956) [no credits]
The Brave and the Bold (1955 series) #7 (August-September 1956) [no Mortimer credit]
Moolah the Mystic: “It’s a nice day out! Maybe I’ll go fishing!” (2 pages) Script: Henry Boltinoff Pencils: Henry Boltinoff Inks: Henry Boltinoff
The Flowers of Sorcery (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr Characters: Anton, artist; Maria, model; Greg, Maria’s brother; Freddy, Maria’s boyfriend; August Goertler, sorcerer posing as a botanist Synopsis: An artist believes he has captured Maria’s soul in a painting of an orchid. Earlier, he had poisoned her fiancé and planned to kill her new boyfriend the same way and mistakenly kills her instead. But it’s a ruse designed by her brother – posing as a sorcerer – to get him to confess. Genre: Mystery Trivia: First person story Reprinted in
The Hundred Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray) #8 [May 1957]
The Animal People (text story) (2 pages) Script: George Kashdan [signed] Synopsis: A look at middle age beliefs of people who can turn into wolves, tigers or foxes Professor Brainstorm: “This is my greatest scientific invention – a super-duper sound machine!” (comic story) (.5 page) Script:Irwin Hasen [should be Hy Mankin??] Pencils:Irwin Hasen [should be Hy Mankin??] Inks:Irwin Hasen [should be Hy Mankin??] Characters: Professor Virgil Brainstorm; his wife Clocks of Doom (comic story) (.5 page) Synopsis: Old beliefs about clocks Note: there is another .5 page filler with this title in Sensation Mystery (1952 series) #116 (July-August 1953) credited to Mort Drucker for script and art
The House Where Dreams Come True (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice Characters: Mother Moore; Joan Anderson, beauty queen; Louella Dare, actress; Ted Ward of the Ward Fashion Agency; Freems, butler; Laura, fashion designer Characters mentioned: Nora Sylvana, ballerina; Dot Perry, columnist; Kat??, Novelist?; Myra Miller, actress Trivia: First Person story Genre: Mystery Ad: Josely Company: Hey Kids! Send for the new Disneyland Color Televison Set! Only $1.00!” (1 page) Insets of Donald Duck, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, Daniel Boone Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page) Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Company: “Now! Own the Daisy Eagle!” (1 page) Tales of the Unexpected #5 (September 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 3 mysteries and one fantasy story.
Cover: The Second Life of Geoffrey Hawkes (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice Characters: George Hale; Mr Nelson; Sam Wright; Jethroe Ad: Wilson Chemical Co.: “Given! Boys! Girls! Ladies! Men! We Give You Cash for Premiums!” (1 page) Pencils: Signed R.T. [Ray Thayer? Aka Ray Lowry? Inks: Signed R.T. Characters: Junior Space Pilots on the Beam! (Ted and Penny]
The Man Who Laughed At Locks (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Inks: Ruben Moreira (signed) Characters: Carl Farr, inventor; Emmet Durham, inventor Synopsis: Durham is haunted by the ghost of the man he killed and whose inventions he stole. Trivia: Farr invents an electronic maid, baby beacon flashlight (1,000,000 watts candlepower) and a lock springing device; his lab was called the Hanging Rock Studio Trivia: A Scooby Doo mystery Genre: Mystery
Reprinted:
in The Unexpected (DC, 1968 series) #130 (December 1971) [retitled as "The Ghost Who Laughed at Locks"] [given job number B-1143]
in Haunted Tales (1973 series) #24 [December 1976] [retitled as "The Ghost Who Laughed at Locks"] [given job number B-1143???]
House ad: Here are the prizes in the Giant DC Slogan Contest (3 pages)
I Was Bewitched For a Day (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely Characters: Henry, a chemist; Elise and son; coworkers were were Wilson and Johnson; Richard Watson was the company president Synopsis: A man is bored with his life and family when, after meeting a little old man, everything changes. Trivia: WZX airs “The Hidden Camera” Trivia: First person story Trivia: J Q Barnes Side Show Attractions Genre: Mystery
Reprinted:
in Unexpected, The (DC, 1968 series) #160 (November-December 1974) [job number B-2149] [retitled as Bewitched For a Day??]
in Haunted Tales (K. G. Murray, 1973 series) #26
Ghostly Bandit (text story) (1 page) Script: ?
The Living Paintings (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff Characters: Martin, art investigator; Voss (murdered); Sterling; Cordot, a French painter Synopsis: An art investigator solves the mystery of paintings that change at night – and help catch a murderer. Genre: Mystery Trivia: First person story Ad: Zenith Co.: “331 Stamps All Different Yours For 25 cents” (.5 page) Ad: DeLuxe Photo Service: “631 Movie & TV Star Pictures 25 cents” (.5 page) PSA: The Big Dance (text story; PSA) (1 page) Script: ? Pencils: ? Inks: ? Synopsis: 2 girls and a football player discuss curfews Characters: Mary Lou, Janie, Muggsy Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Batman (1940 series) #102 (September 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff?]
Buzzy (1945 series) #73 (September-October 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff]
Leave It to Binky (1948 series) #56 (September-October, 1956) [no credits]
Mr. District Attorney (1948 series) #53 (September-October 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff?]
Superboy (1949 series) #51 (September 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff?]
Action Comics (1938 series) #220 (September 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff]
Adventure Comics (1938 series) #228 (September 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff?]
Detective Comics (1937 series) #235 (September 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff?]
Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (1954 series) #15 (September 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff?]
The Three Mouseketeers (1956 series) #4 (September-October 1956) [Script: Jack Schiff]
The Second Life of Geoffrey Hawkes (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Jack Miller (per**http://www.dcindexes.com/database/story-details.php?site=dc&storyid=9230**)
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice Characters: Mr Nelson, director of the Globe Theater; George Hale, actor; Sam Wright, actor; Jethroe, assistant director Trivia: the story ends on February 16, 1956, 300 years after the death of Hawkes Synopsis: Genre: Fantasy Trivia: Played John Wilkes Booth, Captain Kidd, Brutus, Geoffrey Hawkes, lived in England in the 1650s; bandit chief named Rakes, lost a duel with Theobold, a thief; Hawkes claimed his luck was due to a sorcerer, who said he would relive his life in 300 years Trivia: First person story Reprinted:
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page) Ad: Cheerful Card Company: “Do You Need Extra Money? $35.00 is yours!” (1 page) Ad: Jowett Institute: “I gained 53 lbs. of Shapely Power-Packed Muscles” (1 page) Note: features photos of Roger D. Hirsch and George F. Jowett Ad: Lucky Products Dept.: “A new scientific toy! Nutty Putty! Only $1.00” (1 page) Tales of the Unexpected #6 (October 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 2 Science Fiction, 1 mystery and 1 fantasy story.
Cover: The Girl in the Bottle! (1 page)
Pencils: Ruben Moreira
Inks: Ruben Moreira Ad: Littleton Stamp Co.: “identify even the strangest stamps at a glance” (1 page)
The Telecast From the Future (comic story) (5.67 pages) [note page count]
Script: ?
Pencils: George Papp
Inks: George Papp Characters: Wilbur Miles; Captain Burke of the police (unseen); Herman Shore, Hollywood director Synopsis: An accident to a TV monitor allows TV host Wilbur Miles glimpses of the future. Genre: Science Fiction Trivia: Set on May 9th Trivia: 13th Annual Magician’s Convention at the Belmore in New York City Trivia: The SS Alford at Pier 17 Trivia: Miles produces the TV show ‘Studio 13 – Stories of Tension and Suspense” for WXTV, United Television Company. Studio 57 was a real dramatic-anthology that ran 21 September 1954- 6 September 1955 on DuMont and then went into syndication with original episodes when the network ceased operations. United Television was a corporation operating multiple television stations founded in 1956 to run station KMSP-TV in Minneapolis. Trivia: First Person story Trivia: There was a 2-page text story with the same title in Planet Comics #44 (September 1946) Reprinted in
The Hundred Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray) #6 [March 1957]
Ad: Wildroot Cream-Oil: “Nothing scares that Smedley!” (.33 page) Note: part of an ad series, with art Ad: Junior Sales Club of America: “Boys! Girls! Which Prize do you want?” (1 page)
Dial M For Magic (comic story) (5 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely Characters: Craig Dunster, president of the International Mystery Club; Mr. M, Magician and Sorcerer Extraordinary Synopsis: Mr. M tries to join an exclusive magician’s club, but refuses to meet a club rule of divulging his secrets. Refused membership, Mr. M, now revealed as Merlin, disappears. Genre: Fantasy Trivia: First person story Trivia: International Mystery Club Trivia: The title is an obvious takeoff of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 movie Dial M for Murder (released May 29, 1954), based on the stage play by Frederick Knott; Knott’s play was originally produced by the BBC on 23 March 1952, and after it transferred to the London stage, it opened at the Plymouth Theater in New York City on October 29, 1952, where it ran until February 27, 1954. The title also foreshadows the DC Comics series Dial H for Hero that began in House of Mystery #156 (January 1966) Trivia: Other comic book stories had variations of this title, some still earlier:
Dial 'Z' for Zombie in Marvel Tales (Marvel) #114 (May 1953)
Dial 'C' for Corpse in Strange Mysteries (Superior Publishers Limited) #11 (May 1953)
Dial "M" for Mother! in From Here to Insanity (Charlton) #10 (June 1955)
Dial H for Heartbreak in Secret Hearts (DC) #59 (November 1959)
Dial M for Monster in the Superboy story in Adventure Comics (DC) #294 (March 1962)
Dial P For Panic in Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica (Archie) #90 (June 1963)
Dial "V" For Villain in Dial H for Hero in House of Mystery (DC) #158 (April 1966)
House ad: Here are the prizes in the Giant DC Slogan Contest (3 pages)
The Forbidden Flowers (comic story) (5.5 pages) [note page count]
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff Characters: Tom Halsey, artist; Homer Wood; Riley, police officer Synopsis: An artist who creates his work with flowers grows the seedlings a friend found in a meteor meteor. The white flowers change color reflecting the mood of anyone holding them and help to trap a bank robber. Genre: Science Fiction Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Company: “Now! Own the Daisy Eagle Air Rifle!” (.5 page) PSA: Binky: “How To Spend A Summer week” (1 page) Script: Jack Schiff (credit from Adventure Comics #191) Pencils: Win Mortimer (credit from Adventure Comics #191) Inks: Win Mortimer (credit from Adventure Comics #191) Letters: Ira Schnapp (credit from Adventure Comics #191) Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Adventure Comics (1938 series) #191 (August 1953)
The Adventures of Bob Hope (1950 series) #22 (August-September 1953)
Batman (1940 series) #78 (August-September 1953)
Comic Cavalcade (1942 series) #58 (August-September 1953) (no letterer credit)
A Date with Judy (1947 series) #36 (August-September 1953) (no credits)
Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (1954 series) #16 (October-November 1956)
Raccoon Kids (1954 series) #62 (November 1956)
My Greatest Adventure (1955 series) #82 (September 1963)
The “Witches” of Salem (text story) (1.67 pages) Script: George Kashdan (signed) Fact feature about the Salem witches Ad: Palisades Amusement Park: “Be my guest at Palisades Amusement Park” (.33 page) Superman figure from the waist up
The Girl in the Bottle (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Inks: Ruben Moreira (signed) Characters: Professor Belmont, oceanographer with Cape Laboratories; Secret Service agent Paul Walsh; M. Robert Smith Synopsis: Amnesiatic people trapped in bottles are rescued by a research ship, an ocean liner and even washed up on Cape Point Beach Genre: Mystery Trivia: Frenchman sign their names preceded by a “M.”; Englishmen believe its good luck if a black cat crosses their path; Europeans place their shoes outside their bedroom at night Trivia: Bluff Hotel near the laboratories Trivia: Spring of last year
Reprinted:
in Century, the 100 Page Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #9 [incorrect page count]
Ad: Josely Co.: “100 Toy Soldiers for $1.25” (1 page) Ad: Fashion Frocks, Inc.: “If you could get a stunning $10.98 dress without paying …” (1 page) Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page) Ad: Arnold Schwinn & Co.: “Most beautiful bike iin the world! Schwinn Phantom” (1 page) Tales of the Unexpected #7 (November 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 1 Science Fiction, and 3 fantasy story.
Cover: The Face in the Clock (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: Nick Cardy
Inks: Nick Cardy Characters: Bart Crane Ad: Garcelon Stamp Co.: “Free! Elizabeth II Empire Stamps!” (1 page)
The Pen That Never Lied (comic story) (5.67 pages) [note page count]
Script: ?
Pencils: Bernard Baily
Inks: Bernard Baily Characters: Don Bannister, counterfeiter; King Harold (flashback); Duke Aethelbert (flashback); Henry, shop owner; Sam Weeks, tattoo artist; John Able (aka Jim March); Frank Hamner, smuggler; Jed Hale, smuggler; J.P., film director Synopsis: A cursed quill pen once belonging to King Harold of England in 1605 forces anyone using it to tell the truth. Genre: Fantasy Trivia: There was a real King Harold Godwinson, or King Harold II (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066) was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. Trivia: Studio filming the Man Who Never Lied, about George Washington Ad: Palisades Amusement Park: “Be my guest at Palisades Amusement Park” (.33 page) Superman figure from the waist up Ad: Anra Inc.: “Boys and Girls! Get in line for the Greatest Halloween and masquerade costumes ever!” (1 page) Costumes include Superboy and (apparently) Supergirl PSA: Binky: Special Election Exhibit (1 page) Script:Jack Schiff (credits from Adventure Comics #230) Pencils:Bob Oksner (credits from Adventure Comics #230) Inks:Bob Oksner (credits from Adventure Comics #230) Letters:Ira Schnapp (credits from Adventure Comics #230) Characters: Binky; kids; citizens (from Showcase #5) Synopsis: Binky notes kids aren't old enough to vote, but can help adults vote by providing babysitting services, help with English for new citizens, registration drives, and more. "In 1952, 37 percent of the eligible U.S. voters failed to vote... Let's do our bit!" (from Showcase #5) Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Beware, I Can Read Your Mind! (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Reprinted:
in The Unexpected (DC, 1968 series) #157 (May-June 1974) [assigned job number B-1252] Characters: Johnny Carter aka Tello the Great; Doctor Benson; “the Midnight Walker”, a notorious criminal Synopsis: A young boy is exposed to radiation and gains the power to read minds, becoming a stage performer as Tello the Great. Unfortunately, he eventually can’t shut it ‘off’ and he is forced into isolation. Genre: Science Fiction Trivia: First person story Trivia: Play called “The Swordsman and the Lady” House ad: Here are the prizes in the Giant DC Slogan Contest (3 pages) Moolah the Mystic: “By the Prophet’s beard, I can’t see a thing …” (comic story) (.5 page) Script: Henry Boltinoff Pencils: Henry Boltinoff Inks: Henry Boltinoff Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Co.: “For harmless fun …” (.5 page) Includes a copyright for Annie Oakley Enterprises
The Forbidden Wish (comic story) (4 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: George Roussos
Inks: George Roussos
Characters: Cal Colby, a miner; Helen, an actress; Ted Haney, sportsman
Synopsis: Cal Colby finds a Native American talisman that grants him whatever he wishes for, but one wish inadvertently causes his death. Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
in House of Mystery (DC, 1951 series) #200 (March 1972) [with a new Cain introduction] [given job number J-1392]
in Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery (DC, 2006 series) #2 [black and white] [from House of Mystery (DC, 1951 series) #200]
in Superman (K. G. Murray) #134 [September 1958] [re-edited to 3 pages]
The Deadly Dolls (text story) (2 pages) Script: ? Factoid about Phonies who claim their dolls are magical
The Face In The Clock (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Nick Cardy
Inks: Nick Cardy Characters: Bart Crane, thief; Joey, thief (died); Father Time Synopsis: A face appears in clocks telling a thief he will die at midnight. Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
in Super DC Giant (DC, 1970 series) #S-23 (March-April 1971) [assigned job number B-911]
Ad: American Specialty Company: “Which of these prizes can we send you?” (1 page) Ad: Josely Company: Hey Kids! Send for the new Disneyland Color Televison Set! Only $1.00!” (1 page) Insets of Donald Duck, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, Daniel Boone Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page) Ad: Cutiss Candy Co. / Baby Ruth: “A kangaroo mother and son / Can go merrily jumping as one / They’re off to the store / For a treat they adore / Baby Ruth adds so much to the fun!” (1 page) Tales of the Unexpected #8 (December 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff Trivia: Issue has 1 Science Fiction, and 3 fantasy stories.
Cover: The 3-D Camera That Could Rob! (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr Note: title is slightly different on the story Characters: Adam Hale; Mrs. Van Cleve Ad: Art Instruction Inc.: “Draw Bob Hope” (1 page)
The Man Who Stole A Genie (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Mort Meskin
Inks: Mort Meskin Characters: Martin, civil engineer; Jim, civil engineer; Hackett, civil engineer ; Kao, Indian boy Synopsis: In Burma, a civil engineer finds a statue that, when rubbed, calls forth a genie that grants all wishes. One of his co-workers steals it. Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
in Hundred Comic Monthly, The (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #7 [cover story]
Professor Eureka: “Ah it came! The finest mummy specimin I’ve seen!” (.5 page) [note spelling error] Script: Henry Boltinoff (signed) Pencils: Henry Boltinoff (signed) Inks: Henry Boltinoff (signed) Ad: Smith Bros. Cough Drops: “We love those cough drops! Ooompah!” (.5 page) Moolah the Mystic: “Its Too big a trip for you to go home!” (.67 page) Script: Henry Boltinoff (signed) Pencils: Henry Boltinoff (signed) Inks: Henry Boltinoff (signed) Ad: Wildroot Cream-Oil: “he’s not very tall, but Wildroot Cream-Oil gives him confidence” (.33 page) Note: part of an ad series, with art
The Secret of the Elephant's Tusk (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely Characters: Jim Conway; Martha, Jim’s fiancée; Noonan; a Witch Doctor Synopsis: People are frozen after they touch items made of ivory that came from the tusk of a sacred elephant. Noonan, a hunter, claims they will be cured after he kills the animal – but only after the victims families pay him $100,000 Genre: Fantasy Reprinted in
Mighty The 100-Page Comic! (K. G. Murray) #10 [March 1959]
Ad: Movyland Studios: “Any photo copied – 20 billfold photos -- $1 sent on approval” (.33 page) Ad: Dean Studios: “Please Give Me a Home at almost no cost! Your new, real, live, miniature dog!” (.67 page) PSA: Gifts to the United Nations (1 page) Script:Jack Schiff (credit from Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #17) Pencils: Ruben Moreira Inks: Ruben Moreira Letters: Ira Schnapp Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (1954 series) #17 (December 1956)
The Four Seeds of Destiny (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ? Pencils: George But which is which? Roussos
Inks: George Roussos Characters: Ted Hall, TV host; Stevens, archeologist Synopsis: After Ted Hall gets replaced on his TV show, he steals 4 Egyptian seeds rumored to bring wealth, talent, beauty and death when planted. Genre: Fantasy Trivia: A TV show, “On The Spot” with Ted Hall, is featured. There was a real“On The Spot”, a 1953-54 TV show starring Lloyd Bochner and Fred Davis, which was a series of documentaries on aspects of life in Canada. Trivia: Mentions Re, the Egyption Sun God - this is a lettering? mistake; the God is RA Trivia: Mentions Croesus when Hall becomes rich - In Greek and Persian cultures the name of Croesus, king of Lydia from 560 to 547 BC, became a synonym for a wealthy man Trivia: Mentions Pharaoh Ikhhnaton, probably a misspelling of Ikhnaton, another name for Amenhotep IV, who ruled from 1541-1520BC For Sale: Your Future (text feature) (2 pages) Script George Kashdan (signed) Factoid about unscroupulous fortune tellers
The Camera That Could Rob (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr Characters: Adam Hale; Oscar, a cat; Mrs. Van Cleve Synopsis: Adam Hale murders his neighbor, a scientist, to acquire a 3-D camera he invented. After being struck by lighting, the camera opens a window to where the photo was taken, allowing anyone to retrieve objects through photo. The police trick him into stealing radioactive gold, so Hale escapes into the camera – forever! Genre: Science Fiction Trivia: Hale’s apartment overlooks the Pascack Canal Note: title is slightly different on the cover Ad: National Sports Council: “We’ll ripple your body with muscles and load TNT in your fists” (1 page) Features photos of sports figures Joe Lewis, Bob Cousy, Ted Kluszewski Ad: Littleton Stamp Co.: “Boys! Girls! Mothers! Dads! Take ‘em free” (1 page) Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Co.: “Time to get a Daisy and get in on the fun!” (1 page)
Cover: The Cartoon That Came to Life (1 page)
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Don Doyle; Dragon Man of Mars
Ad: Garcelon Stamp Co.: “Free! British African Stamps and Free Booklet” (1 page)
The Out-of-The-World Club (comic story) (6 pages) (Note title error)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice (signed as J. P.)
Inks: John Prentice (signed as J. P.)
Reprinted:
in Century, The 100 Page Comic Monthly (K. G. Murray, 1956 series) #7
Story: Ross Rand, a New York physician and jazz fan, attends a new venue in New York City, the Out-of-the-World Club. The employees and musicians there are escaped alien prisoners of the Star Police raising money to buy radioactive materials for their disabled spaceship.
Characters: Ross Rand, New York physician; Nico Vrann, alien proprietor of the Out-Of-The World Club; Johnson, a music expert; Tharo, Kjar, Jor and one other are alien musicians; , captured members of the Star Police
Notes: First person story; Club Careless is a New York City Jazz club
Genre: Science Fiction (aliens)
Moolah the Mystic: “Ah – the crystal ball tells me this will be a bad day for you!” (comic story) (.67 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Story: Moolah’s crystal ball predicts a client will have a bad day.
Reprinted
- In Adventure Comics #281 (February, 1961) (NOTE: Source not credited)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Co.: Daisy Gunbook Ready (.33 page)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Professor Eureka: “These pyramids will give me lots of information …” (comic story) (1 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Story: Eureka and his aide find hieroglyphics in an ancient pyramid
The Dream Lamp (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Story: Old Cyrus Perkins, a New England storyteller, entertains visitors to a country store with his tall tales of being present at recent historic events around the world.
Characters: Cyrus Perkins, a New England storyteller; Danvers, a safari guide; Marston; Walker
Notes: Sport Adventure, a magazine; Centerville, a New England town; Centerville Call, a newspaper; The Volcanic, a ship leaving San Francisco to explore the South Pole; Mount Airy
Trivia: There is a Centerville in every New England state (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine) except New Hampshire
Trivia: The Descendants of Cyrus Perkins by Charles Bloomer (The Christopher Publishing House, Boston, Massachestts, 1932) was a fictional account of a small New England town, Tarver, Massachusetts.
Trivia: There was a real Sport Adventure Magazine published By Four Star Publications that began at least in 1957 (see **http://adventures-of-the-blackgang.tumblr.com/post/5538071242/devil-cats-sport-adventure-magazine-1957** )
Genre: Science Fiction [the nature of the lamp is never explained, and appears to be a scientific instrument rather than magical]
Reprinted:
PSA: Buzzy: Do You Know How To Be A Good Baby Sitter? (1 page)
Script: Jack Schiff (credit taken from Adventure #221 and Batman #97)
Pencils: Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure #221 and Batman #97)
Inks: Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure #221 and Batman #97)
Letters: Ira Schnapp (credit taken from Batman #97)
Character: Buzzy, Susie, Mrs. Williams, Johnny Williams
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Moolah the Mystic: “And it gives me great pleasure to introduce Moolah the Mystic …” (comic story) (1 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Story: Moolah demonstrates hypnotism on TV
The Secret of Cell Sixteen (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Jack Miller (credit from Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics)
Pencils: Howard Purcell (signed as H. P.)
Inks: Charles Paris
Story: Charles Duval is captured during fourth attempt on the life on King Louis XIV and imprisoned. The king tells him if he finds the secret way out of his cell in the Bastille in Paris, he’ll spare his life.
Characters: Charles Duval, King Louis XIV
Time: March 7, 1914
Trivia: the real King Louis XIV ruled until September 1, 1715 and was 75 in the date of this story (though pictured younger)
Trivia: A a ‘Cell 17’ in the Wildcat story in Sensation Comics #90 (June, 1949);a ‘Cell 32’ was featured in a story in All-True Crime #42 (January, 1951); and a ‘Cell 13’ played a role in a story in House of Mystery #12 (March, 1953).
Genre: Mystery [there are no fantastic elements present]
Reprinted:
Exposing Famous Ghost Stories (text) (2 pages)
Script: Jack Miller (signed)
Synopsis: A ghost mare returns for his dying former owner, and other recycled ghost stories
Note: Miller states a Hollywood producer bought an updated story and made a movie about a man seeing an actual crime being committed elsewhere, but reflected in his bedroom mirror
The Cartoon That Came to Life (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Otto Binder
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Don Doyle; Editor Al Barton of the Midcity Sentinel
Synopsis: Don Doyle is a cartoonist who's alien comic strip creation,The Dragon Man from Mars, suddenly comes to life.
Notes: The Dragon man appears above Ace Plastics Company
Genre: Science Fiction [aliens]
Trivia: Perhaps significant is that Doyle does not stop the alien invasion due to unexpected circumstances
Reprinted:
Ad: Jersey Co.: 100 Toy Soldiers $1.25 (1 page)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad: Cheerful Card Company: “Do You Need Extra Money? $40.00 is yours!” (1 page)
Ad: Jowett Institute: “I gained 53 lbs. of Shapely Power-Packed Muscles” (1 page)
Note: features photos of Roger D. Hirsch and George F. Jowett
Ad: Wilson Chem. Co.: “Given – Given – Given” (1 page) (back cover)
Tales of the Unexpected #2 (April-May 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 2 science fiction, one mystery and one fantasy story.
Cover: The Gorilla Who Saved the World! (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr
Characters: Jonas Starr’s gorilla; Lt. Alvin Wood; Collins, a police officer
Trivia: First of only two gorilla covers – the other is #14
Ad: Art Instruction Inc.: “Draw Me! (a brunette with short hair)” (1 page)
The Magic Hats of M'sieu La Farge (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Inks: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Characters: Andre and his wife; LaFarge, a shop owner; Renouf; Watteau; Henri; Carl
Mentioned: Napoleon (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821); Eric Monage, a killer; Judge Le Grange, a renowned judge; famous gambler, Prince Dupre; John Eli, a public benefactor; Hans Wolfgang, a master thief; Missionary E R Clark; Nostradamus (14 or 21 December 1503 – 2 July 1566)
Synopsis: LaFarge’s Hat Shop has the hats of many famous people that transfer the original owner’’s personalities to those who wear them. Three men want to the hats of a killer, gambler, and thief but are fooled by the shop owner.
Trivia: The legend of LaFarge’s hat began 51 years ago (in 1905?) when Jacques, a timid peasant, wears Napoleon’s hat and becomes courageous; Renouf wants to wear the hat of Eric Monage, a killer, for revenge on Carl, who returns the money – but hat of Judge Le Grange, a renowned judge; Watteau wants the hat of a famous gambler, Prince Dupre, but he gives away all his money instead – he had the hat of John Eli, a public benefactor; Henri wants Hans Wolfgang, a master thief, but ends up turning over a new leaf after wearing the hat of Missionary E R Clark. LaFarge wore Nostradamus’ hat.
Setting: French town of Rousseau, celebrating the 100th Anniversary Masquerade Ball; M’Seiu LaFarge’s Hat Shop
Genre: Fantasy [though unexplained, the hats clearly have magical powers]
Ad: American Seed Co.: “Boys! Girls! Get These Prizes! Its Quick and Easy!” (1 page)
PSA: Binky: “Its Fun To Belong!” (1 page)
Script:Jack Schiff (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38)
Pencils:Win Mortimer (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38)
Inks:Win Mortimer (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38)
Letters:Ira Schnapp (credit from The Adventures of Bob Hope #38)
Characters:Binky Biggs; Allergy Biggs; Sally; Joe; Frank
Synopsis:Binky offers a solution for summer boredom.
Indexer Notes: Published as a public service in cooperation with the National Social Welfare Assembly coordinating organization for national health, welfare and recreation agencies in the U.S.
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
The Fastest Man Alive (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Draut
Inks: Mort Meskin
Characters: Clyde Baird; Adam Jessup; Jones, a mechanic
Synopsis: Adam Jessup has lost every race to his childhood rival Clyde Baird and is determined to finally beat him.
Trivia: Jessup supposedly beat a speed record in his plane at 850 miles per hour and 3 hours and 32 minutes. The transcontinental record at the time of this story’s publication was 3 hours and 46 minutes, set March 9, 1955. The fictional record was broken on July 16, 1957 at 3 hours and 23 minutes. The real life flight speed record was 822.1mph, set in October, 1955, and both real and fictional speed records were bested on 10 March 1956 at 1,132mph
Trivia: “Introducing The Flash... Fastest Man Alive!” appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940) and the revival occurred in Showcase #4 (September-October 1956), just a couple of months after this story
Genre: Science Fiction [though Jessup wants Baird to believe his powers are supernatural, he has invented a ship capable of space flight]
House ad: “The one and only Superman!” (1 page)
Contains Superman figure with rocket; plus the covers to World’s Finest # 81 (March-April 1956), Superman # 104 (March 1956), Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #11 (March 1956) and Action # 214 (March 1956) “On Sale at All Newsstands”
Moolah the Mystic: ["Can I see you, sir?"] (filler) (1 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Reprinted:
in House of Mystery (DC, 1951 series) #172 (January-February 1968)
The Record of Doom (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Jack Marshall, a radio DJ at station KBL; Inspector Cook; Mark Randolph (fell from his 18th floor apartment at 15th and Elm), 24th Street Subway entrance
Synopsis: A song on the radio is reportedly causing listeners to commit suicide In truth, a radio DJ is playing a song he wrote and planting fake suicide notes at the scene of deaths around the city.
Setting: July 3 and after
Trivia: some hit song lyrics include “You’re my great big beautiful doll” ["Oh, You Beautiful Doll" is a ragtime love song published in 1911 and featured in 1951’s Strangers on a Train, and 1953’s The Eddie Cantor Story], “All through the night, I’ll be holding you tight”, “for me there’s only one day of the week that makes me want to shriek, It’s a blue, blue Monday, when sinister spirits seem to take hold of me”
Trivia: "Blue Monday" was first recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1954 and popularized by Fats Domino in 1956 and featured in the 1956 film “The Girl Can't Help It” (released 1 December 1956).
Trivia: First person story
Trivia: Newspapers include The Daily Reporter, The Evening Register, The Star Ledger and the Mid City Post-Gazette (a Pittsburgh newspaper)
Trivia: The city appears to be a mix of Philadelphia and Allenton, Pennsylvania. There was an aboveground 24th Street Subway in Philadelphia (near Market Street) that was closed November 6, 1955 and the radio station’s call letters suggests KDKA, the world’s first commercial radio station. 15th and Elm is the location of the YMCA in Allentown, Pennsylvania, just 2 miles from 24th Street.
Trivia: The 1927 Lon Chaney film, LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT was said to make insane any who saw it.
Trivia: Much later, Jack Marshall is the name of the fictional protagonist of DC Comics’ The Hacker Files, a limited series published in 1992 and 1993
Genre: Mystery [where are no ‘real’ fantastic elements in this story, only hinted at]
Reprinted
Some Famous Haunted Houses (text story) (2 pages)
Script: George Kashdan (signed)
Pencils: Raymond Perry
Inks: Raymond Perry
Trivia: Limited Collectors' Edition#C-32 (December 1974-January 1975) had a different fact feature called “Famous Haunted Houses”
The Gorilla Who Saved the World (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr
Characters: Professor Jonas Starr of Colbert College; Lt. Alvin Wood; Judge Dermott; Collins, a police officer; Shrudlar, an alien
Synopsis: A university professor, testing his invention for thought transference, seems to have accidentally switches minds with his pet gorilla. In reality, he was controlling the gorilla’s actions and feigning his own wild actions, to hide the fact his device detected an alien attack fleet.
Trivia: There is an O’Henry type ending where its revealed that the gorilla may have intelligence by arranging alphabet blocks to read “People Are Funny” (radio’s Art Linkletter and the identically named program moved to television on September 19, 1954)
Trivia: Congo Bill first transformed into Congorilla a few years later, in Action Comics #248 (January 1959)
Genre: Science Fiction
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Stuart Greetings Inc.: “Need extra spending money? Here’s $50 to Use As You Please!” (1 page)
Ad: Charles Atlas: “Check the kind of body you want!” (1 page)
Photo of Charles Atlas
Ad: Lucky Products: “Kids! Be the First to Send for This New Plastic Aircraft Carrier with 5 Catapulting Jets!” (1 page)
Tales of the Unexpected #3 (June-July 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 1 science fiction, two mysterys and one fantasy story.
Cover: The Master of 100 Wigs! (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Letters: Ira Schnapp ?
Characters: John ‘Whitey’ Tate, a jewel thief
Ad: Wilson Chem. Co.: “Given – Given – Given– Given” (1 page)
The Highway to Tomorrow (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Howard Purcell
Inks: Howard Purcell
Characters: Steve Morgan; Young Deer; Running Deer; Mr. McCoy, a realtor; Mr. Gale, construction boss; John and Martha, a married couple
Synopsis: An inventor develops an Auto-Rail Highway - a Car Monorail system designed to be a Highway to Tomorrow – in Zuni Canyon, an Indian burial ground. A realtor tries to sabotage the project to mine the rich uranium deposit in the canyon.
Trivia: The Zuni are Native American tribe, one of the Pueblo peoples that live in the Pueblo of Zuni on the Zuni River, a tributary of the Little Colorado River, in western New Mexico, United States.
Trivia: New Mexico was a significant uranium producer following the discovery of uranium by Navajo sheepherder Paddy Martinez in 1950
Trivia: Zuni curse cited is “Who disturbs my bones will soon know death”
Trivia: A Scooby-Doo style mystery
Genre: Mystery
House Ad: “A New Star Has Been Added to the Superman-DC ‘Line of Stars’” (1 page)
Ad for Jackie Gleason and the Honeymooners #1 (July 1956)
Trivia: A 4-issue series ended at St. John in December 1955
PSA: Binky: Pioneers of 1976! (public service announcement) (1 page)
Script: Jack Schiff
Pencils: Win Mortimer
Inks: Win Mortimer
Letters: Gaspar Saladino
Characters: Binky; Allergy
Synopsis: Binky gets the kids to see that they too might be able to make important scientific discoveries in the future.
Published in cooperation with the National Social Welfare Assembly.
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
The Man Nobody Could See (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Mort Meskin
Inks: Mort Meskin
Characters: Conn; Mrs. Hanson, his landlady
Synopsis: A man accidentally invents an invisibility formula but the police – searching for him in a series of bank robberies – have the antidote.
Trivia: A first person story.
Genre: Science fiction
Reprinted:
Ad: DeLuxe Photo Service: “631 Movie & TV Star Pictures 25 cents” (.5 page)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moolah the Mystic: “I’ll look up my old friend Darro the Fire-Eater!” (.5 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Letters: Henry Boltinoff
Characters: Moolah the Mystic, Darro the Fire Eater
Professor Eureka: "I'm convinced that some early specimen..." (comic story) (1 page
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Letters: Henry Boltinoff
Characters: Professor Eureka
I Lost My Past (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Mort Drucker
Inks: Mort Drucker
Characters: Paul Martin; Jim Welling; Mr. Conlon, high school principal
Synopsis: Paul Martin returns to his home town during Mardi Gras but finds that none of his old friends remember him.
Trivia: A first person story.
Trivia: Martin was an honor student in Chemistry at his high school in 1935; later worked for a government lab; other classmates included John Marsdon, Albert Meile, Hal Nelson, Ruby Newman and Joan Munson; his undercover name was Otto Gruber, No. 1976520, File 197-49
Trivia: The plot – though not the resolution -- is very similar to Charles Beaumont’s “The Man Who Made Himself” that appeared in Imagination, February 1957, and was later adapted for Twilight Zone as “In His Image”
Genre: Mystery
Reprinted:
Secrets of the Voodoo (text story) (2 pages)
Script: George Kashdan (signed)
Pencils: ? (illustration)
Inks: ? (illustration) (illustration)
Superstitions about Spiders (comic story) (0.67 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: ?
Inks: ?
NOTE: There were same titled features in
- My Greatest Adventure (1955 series) #41 (March 1960) (0.67 pages)
- Sensation Comics (1942 series) #109 (May-June 1952) (0.5 pages) Script:Julius Schwartz?; Pencils:Morris Waldinger?; Inks: Morris Waldinger?
- House of Mystery (1951 series) #183 (November-December 1969) (0.5 pages) Script:Julius Schwartz?; Pencils:Morris Waldinger?; Inks:Tommy Nicolosi?
- Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery (2006 series) #1 (2006) (0.5 pages) Script:Julius Schwartz?; Pencils:Morris Waldinger?; Inks:Tommy Nicolosi?
The last 3 are *likely* the same story, with the TOTU #3 entry reprinted in MGA #41Ad: Palisades Park: Superman, 25 cent coupon (.33 page)
The Man With 100 Wigs (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Jack Miller
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Characters: John ‘Whitey’ Tate (as Johnson), a jewel thief
Synopsis: A thief steals wigs from Duval’s, a costume shop, that belonged to the Sorceror Sarci, some of which grant the powers of Houdini, Samson, and Leonardo da Vinci
Trivia: First person story
Trivia: The premise is similar to “The Magic Hats of M'sieu La Farge” in issue #2
Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
Ad: Lucky Products: “100 Autos, Buses & Trucksonly $1.25” (1 page)
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Movyland Studios: “Any photo copied – 20 billfold photos -- $1 sent on approval” (.33 page)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad: Dean Studios: “Please Give Me a Home at almost no cost! Your new, real, live, miniature dog!” (.67 page)
Tales of the Unexpected #4 (August 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 3 mysteries and one fantasy story.
Cover: The House Where Dreams Come True (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Characters: Mother Moore, Laura
Ad: Wilson Chemical Co.: “Boys! Girls! Women! Men! Given! Given!” (1 page)
Seven Steps to the Unknown (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Reprinted:
in House of Mystery (DC, 1951 series) #228 (December 1974-January 1975) [assigned job number J-3786]
Characters: Chester Combs, millionaire (“Rich man”); Joe Smith, hobo (“poor man”); Benny, blind man (“Beggarman”); Emmet Saunders, detective; Craig, detective; Marty Kirk, ex-convict (“Theif”); Zara, convict; John Charlton, English surgeon (“Doctor”); Judge Moore (“Lawyer”); Jim Doyle, baseball player for the Indians (“Indian Chief”); Roy Conway, producer of the TV show ‘Guess’ [killed in a plane crash]; one armed man was the pilot
Synopsis: 7 seemingly unrelated men are targeted for death, with only an imprisoned fake psychic named Zara able to predict the attempts on their life.
Trivia: Hollywood based TV show ‘Guess’, $100,000 giveaway trivia show
Trivia: A Scooby-Doo mystery
Genre: Mystery
Ad: House ad: Contest to create slogans for DC Comics (1 page)
Insets of Superman, Batman and Tomahawk
The Day I Broke All Records (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Characters: Jim; Jonas Sawyer, museum curator
Synopsis: For saving a museum curators life, Jim is given the contents of a 15th century Roman urn, an elixer created by Varius, a sorcerer, who, likewise was saved by the Roman fighter Apulius. As a reward, Apulius was given the elixir that give him super powers and allowed him to beat the Greek Malinae in arena combat.
Trivia: First person story
Genre: Fantasy
PSA: Peter Porkchops “The Case of the Careless Camper” (1 page)
Script:Jack Schiff (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227)
Pencils:Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227)
Inks:Win Mortimer (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227)
Letters:Ira Schnapp (credit taken from Adventure Comics #227)
Characters: Peter Porkchops, Bear, Wolf
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Moolah the Mystic: “It’s a nice day out! Maybe I’ll go fishing!” (2 pages)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
The Flowers of Sorcery (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr
Characters: Anton, artist; Maria, model; Greg, Maria’s brother; Freddy, Maria’s boyfriend; August Goertler, sorcerer posing as a botanist
Synopsis: An artist believes he has captured Maria’s soul in a painting of an orchid. Earlier, he had poisoned her fiancé and planned to kill her new boyfriend the same way and mistakenly kills her instead. But it’s a ruse designed by her brother – posing as a sorcerer – to get him to confess.
Genre: Mystery
Trivia: First person story
Reprinted in
The Animal People (text story) (2 pages)
Script: George Kashdan [signed]
Synopsis: A look at middle age beliefs of people who can turn into wolves, tigers or foxes
Professor Brainstorm: “This is my greatest scientific invention – a super-duper sound machine!” (comic story) (.5 page)
Script:Irwin Hasen [should be Hy Mankin??]
Pencils:Irwin Hasen [should be Hy Mankin??]
Inks:Irwin Hasen [should be Hy Mankin??]
Characters: Professor Virgil Brainstorm; his wife
Clocks of Doom (comic story) (.5 page)
Synopsis: Old beliefs about clocks
Note: there is another .5 page filler with this title in Sensation Mystery (1952 series) #116 (July-August 1953) credited to Mort Drucker for script and art
The House Where Dreams Come True (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Characters: Mother Moore; Joan Anderson, beauty queen; Louella Dare, actress; Ted Ward of the Ward Fashion Agency; Freems, butler; Laura, fashion designer
Characters mentioned: Nora Sylvana, ballerina; Dot Perry, columnist; Kat??, Novelist?; Myra Miller, actress
Trivia: First Person story
Genre: Mystery
Ad: Josely Company: Hey Kids! Send for the new Disneyland Color Televison Set! Only $1.00!” (1 page)
Insets of Donald Duck, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, Daniel Boone
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Company: “Now! Own the Daisy Eagle!” (1 page)
Tales of the Unexpected #5 (September 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 3 mysteries and one fantasy story.
Cover: The Second Life of Geoffrey Hawkes (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Characters: George Hale; Mr Nelson; Sam Wright; Jethroe
Ad: Wilson Chemical Co.: “Given! Boys! Girls! Ladies! Men! We Give You Cash for Premiums!” (1 page)
Pencils: Signed R.T. [Ray Thayer? Aka Ray Lowry?
Inks: Signed R.T.
Characters: Junior Space Pilots on the Beam! (Ted and Penny]
The Man Who Laughed At Locks (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Inks: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Characters: Carl Farr, inventor; Emmet Durham, inventor
Synopsis: Durham is haunted by the ghost of the man he killed and whose inventions he stole.
Trivia: Farr invents an electronic maid, baby beacon flashlight (1,000,000 watts candlepower) and a lock springing device; his lab was called the Hanging Rock Studio
Trivia: A Scooby Doo mystery
Genre: Mystery
Reprinted:
House ad: Here are the prizes in the Giant DC Slogan Contest (3 pages)
I Was Bewitched For a Day (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Henry, a chemist; Elise and son; coworkers were were Wilson and Johnson; Richard Watson was the company president
Synopsis: A man is bored with his life and family when, after meeting a little old man, everything changes.
Trivia: WZX airs “The Hidden Camera”
Trivia: First person story
Trivia: J Q Barnes Side Show Attractions
Genre: Mystery
Reprinted:
Ghostly Bandit (text story) (1 page)
Script: ?
The Living Paintings (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Characters: Martin, art investigator; Voss (murdered); Sterling; Cordot, a French painter
Synopsis: An art investigator solves the mystery of paintings that change at night – and help catch a murderer.
Genre: Mystery
Trivia: First person story
Ad: Zenith Co.: “331 Stamps All Different Yours For 25 cents” (.5 page)
Ad: DeLuxe Photo Service: “631 Movie & TV Star Pictures 25 cents” (.5 page)
PSA: The Big Dance (text story; PSA) (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: ?
Inks: ?
Synopsis: 2 girls and a football player discuss curfews
Characters: Mary Lou, Janie, Muggsy
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
The Second Life of Geoffrey Hawkes (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: Jack Miller (per **http://www.dcindexes.com/database/story-details.php?site=dc&storyid=9230** )
Pencils: John Prentice
Inks: John Prentice
Characters: Mr Nelson, director of the Globe Theater; George Hale, actor; Sam Wright, actor; Jethroe, assistant director
Trivia: the story ends on February 16, 1956, 300 years after the death of Hawkes
Synopsis:
Genre: Fantasy
Trivia: Played John Wilkes Booth, Captain Kidd, Brutus, Geoffrey Hawkes, lived in England in the 1650s; bandit chief named Rakes, lost a duel with Theobold, a thief; Hawkes claimed his luck was due to a sorcerer, who said he would relive his life in 300 years
Trivia: First person story
Reprinted:
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Cheerful Card Company: “Do You Need Extra Money? $35.00 is yours!” (1 page)
Ad: Jowett Institute: “I gained 53 lbs. of Shapely Power-Packed Muscles” (1 page)
Note: features photos of Roger D. Hirsch and George F. Jowett
Ad: Lucky Products Dept.: “A new scientific toy! Nutty Putty! Only $1.00” (1 page)
Tales of the Unexpected #6 (October 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 2 Science Fiction, 1 mystery and 1 fantasy story.
Cover: The Girl in the Bottle! (1 page)
Pencils: Ruben Moreira
Inks: Ruben Moreira
Ad: Littleton Stamp Co.: “identify even the strangest stamps at a glance” (1 page)
The Telecast From the Future (comic story) (5.67 pages) [note page count]
Script: ?
Pencils: George Papp
Inks: George Papp
Characters: Wilbur Miles; Captain Burke of the police (unseen); Herman Shore, Hollywood director
Synopsis: An accident to a TV monitor allows TV host Wilbur Miles glimpses of the future.
Genre: Science Fiction
Trivia: Set on May 9th
Trivia: 13th Annual Magician’s Convention at the Belmore in New York City
Trivia: The SS Alford at Pier 17
Trivia: Miles produces the TV show ‘Studio 13 – Stories of Tension and Suspense” for WXTV, United Television Company. Studio 57 was a real dramatic-anthology that ran 21 September 1954- 6 September 1955 on DuMont and then went into syndication with original episodes when the network ceased operations. United Television was a corporation operating multiple television stations founded in 1956 to run station KMSP-TV in Minneapolis.
Trivia: First Person story
Trivia: There was a 2-page text story with the same title in Planet Comics #44 (September 1946)
Reprinted in
Ad: Wildroot Cream-Oil: “Nothing scares that Smedley!” (.33 page)
Note: part of an ad series, with art
Ad: Junior Sales Club of America: “Boys! Girls! Which Prize do you want?” (1 page)
Dial M For Magic (comic story) (5 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Craig Dunster, president of the International Mystery Club; Mr. M, Magician and Sorcerer Extraordinary
Synopsis: Mr. M tries to join an exclusive magician’s club, but refuses to meet a club rule of divulging his secrets. Refused membership, Mr. M, now revealed as Merlin, disappears.
Genre: Fantasy
Trivia: First person story
Trivia: International Mystery Club
Trivia: The title is an obvious takeoff of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 movie Dial M for Murder (released May 29, 1954), based on the stage play by Frederick Knott; Knott’s play was originally produced by the BBC on 23 March 1952, and after it transferred to the London stage, it opened at the Plymouth Theater in New York City on October 29, 1952, where it ran until February 27, 1954. The title also foreshadows the DC Comics series Dial H for Hero that began in House of Mystery #156 (January 1966)
Trivia: Other comic book stories had variations of this title, some still earlier:
House ad: Here are the prizes in the Giant DC Slogan Contest (3 pages)
The Forbidden Flowers (comic story) (5.5 pages) [note page count]
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Characters: Tom Halsey, artist; Homer Wood; Riley, police officer
Synopsis: An artist who creates his work with flowers grows the seedlings a friend found in a meteor meteor. The white flowers change color reflecting the mood of anyone holding them and help to trap a bank robber.
Genre: Science Fiction
Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Company: “Now! Own the Daisy Eagle Air Rifle!” (.5 page)
PSA: Binky: “How To Spend A Summer week” (1 page)
Script: Jack Schiff (credit from Adventure Comics #191)
Pencils: Win Mortimer (credit from Adventure Comics #191)
Inks: Win Mortimer (credit from Adventure Comics #191)
Letters: Ira Schnapp (credit from Adventure Comics #191)
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
The “Witches” of Salem (text story) (1.67 pages)
Script: George Kashdan (signed)
Fact feature about the Salem witches
Ad: Palisades Amusement Park: “Be my guest at Palisades Amusement Park” (.33 page)
Superman figure from the waist up
The Girl in the Bottle (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Inks: Ruben Moreira (signed)
Characters: Professor Belmont, oceanographer with Cape Laboratories; Secret Service agent Paul Walsh; M. Robert Smith
Synopsis: Amnesiatic people trapped in bottles are rescued by a research ship, an ocean liner and even washed up on Cape Point Beach
Genre: Mystery
Trivia: Frenchman sign their names preceded by a “M.”; Englishmen believe its good luck if a black cat crosses their path; Europeans place their shoes outside their bedroom at night
Trivia: Bluff Hotel near the laboratories
Trivia: Spring of last year
Reprinted:
Ad: Josely Co.: “100 Toy Soldiers for $1.25” (1 page)
Ad: Fashion Frocks, Inc.: “If you could get a stunning $10.98 dress without paying …” (1 page)
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Arnold Schwinn & Co.: “Most beautiful bike iin the world! Schwinn Phantom” (1 page)
Tales of the Unexpected #7 (November 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 1 Science Fiction, and 3 fantasy story.
Cover: The Face in the Clock (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: Nick Cardy
Inks: Nick Cardy
Characters: Bart Crane
Ad: Garcelon Stamp Co.: “Free! Elizabeth II Empire Stamps!” (1 page)
The Pen That Never Lied (comic story) (5.67 pages) [note page count]
Script: ?
Pencils: Bernard Baily
Inks: Bernard Baily
Characters: Don Bannister, counterfeiter; King Harold (flashback); Duke Aethelbert (flashback); Henry, shop owner; Sam Weeks, tattoo artist; John Able (aka Jim March); Frank Hamner, smuggler; Jed Hale, smuggler; J.P., film director
Synopsis: A cursed quill pen once belonging to King Harold of England in 1605 forces anyone using it to tell the truth.
Genre: Fantasy
Trivia: There was a real King Harold Godwinson, or King Harold II (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066) was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England.
Trivia: Studio filming the Man Who Never Lied, about George Washington
Ad: Palisades Amusement Park: “Be my guest at Palisades Amusement Park” (.33 page)
Superman figure from the waist up
Ad: Anra Inc.: “Boys and Girls! Get in line for the Greatest Halloween and masquerade costumes ever!” (1 page)
Costumes include Superboy and (apparently) Supergirl
PSA: Binky: Special Election Exhibit (1 page)
Script:Jack Schiff (credits from Adventure Comics #230)
Pencils:Bob Oksner (credits from Adventure Comics #230)
Inks:Bob Oksner (credits from Adventure Comics #230)
Letters:Ira Schnapp (credits from Adventure Comics #230)
Characters: Binky; kids; citizens (from Showcase #5)
Synopsis: Binky notes kids aren't old enough to vote, but can help adults vote by providing babysitting services, help with English for new citizens, registration drives, and more. "In 1952, 37 percent of the eligible U.S. voters failed to vote... Let's do our bit!" (from Showcase #5)
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
Beware, I Can Read Your Mind! (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Reprinted:
in The Unexpected (DC, 1968 series) #157 (May-June 1974) [assigned job number B-1252]
Characters: Johnny Carter aka Tello the Great; Doctor Benson; “the Midnight Walker”, a notorious criminal
Synopsis: A young boy is exposed to radiation and gains the power to read minds, becoming a stage performer as Tello the Great. Unfortunately, he eventually can’t shut it ‘off’ and he is forced into isolation.
Genre: Science Fiction
Trivia: First person story
Trivia: Play called “The Swordsman and the Lady”
House ad: Here are the prizes in the Giant DC Slogan Contest (3 pages)
Moolah the Mystic: “By the Prophet’s beard, I can’t see a thing …” (comic story) (.5 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff
Inks: Henry Boltinoff
Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Co.: “For harmless fun …” (.5 page)
Includes a copyright for Annie Oakley Enterprises
The Forbidden Wish (comic story) (4 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: George Roussos
Inks: George Roussos
Characters: Cal Colby, a miner; Helen, an actress; Ted Haney, sportsman
Synopsis: Cal Colby finds a Native American talisman that grants him whatever he wishes for, but one wish inadvertently causes his death.
Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
The Deadly Dolls (text story) (2 pages)
Script: ?
Factoid about Phonies who claim their dolls are magical
The Face In The Clock (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Nick Cardy
Inks: Nick Cardy
Characters: Bart Crane, thief; Joey, thief (died); Father Time
Synopsis: A face appears in clocks telling a thief he will die at midnight.
Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
Ad: American Specialty Company: “Which of these prizes can we send you?” (1 page)
Ad: Josely Company: Hey Kids! Send for the new Disneyland Color Televison Set! Only $1.00!” (1 page)
Insets of Donald Duck, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, Daniel Boone
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Cutiss Candy Co. / Baby Ruth: “A kangaroo mother and son / Can go merrily jumping as one / They’re off to the store / For a treat they adore / Baby Ruth adds so much to the fun!” (1 page)
Tales of the Unexpected #8 (December 1956)Editing: Whitney Ellsworth (credited); Jack Schiff ? (actual)Note: Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics credits Schiff
Trivia: Issue has 1 Science Fiction, and 3 fantasy stories.
Cover: The 3-D Camera That Could Rob! (1 page)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr
Note: title is slightly different on the story
Characters: Adam Hale; Mrs. Van Cleve
Ad: Art Instruction Inc.: “Draw Bob Hope” (1 page)
The Man Who Stole A Genie (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Mort Meskin
Inks: Mort Meskin
Characters: Martin, civil engineer; Jim, civil engineer; Hackett, civil engineer ; Kao, Indian boy
Synopsis: In Burma, a civil engineer finds a statue that, when rubbed, calls forth a genie that grants all wishes. One of his co-workers steals it.
Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted:
Professor Eureka: “Ah it came! The finest mummy specimin I’ve seen!” (.5 page) [note spelling error]
Script: Henry Boltinoff (signed)
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff (signed)
Inks: Henry Boltinoff (signed)
Ad: Smith Bros. Cough Drops: “We love those cough drops! Ooompah!” (.5 page)
Moolah the Mystic: “Its Too big a trip for you to go home!” (.67 page)
Script: Henry Boltinoff (signed)
Pencils: Henry Boltinoff (signed)
Inks: Henry Boltinoff (signed)
Ad: Wildroot Cream-Oil: “he’s not very tall, but Wildroot Cream-Oil gives him confidence” (.33 page)
Note: part of an ad series, with art
The Secret of the Elephant's Tusk (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Bill Ely
Inks: Bill Ely
Characters: Jim Conway; Martha, Jim’s fiancée; Noonan; a Witch Doctor
Synopsis: People are frozen after they touch items made of ivory that came from the tusk of a sacred elephant. Noonan, a hunter, claims they will be cured after he kills the animal – but only after the victims families pay him $100,000
Genre: Fantasy
Reprinted in
Ad: Movyland Studios: “Any photo copied – 20 billfold photos -- $1 sent on approval” (.33 page)
Ad: Dean Studios: “Please Give Me a Home at almost no cost! Your new, real, live, miniature dog!” (.67 page)
PSA: Gifts to the United Nations (1 page)
Script:Jack Schiff (credit from Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #17)
Pencils: Ruben Moreira
Inks: Ruben Moreira
Letters: Ira Schnapp
Reprinted (also ran in --?)
The Four Seeds of Destiny (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: George But which is which? Roussos
Inks: George Roussos
Characters: Ted Hall, TV host; Stevens, archeologist
Synopsis: After Ted Hall gets replaced on his TV show, he steals 4 Egyptian seeds rumored to bring wealth, talent, beauty and death when planted.
Genre: Fantasy
Trivia: A TV show, “On The Spot” with Ted Hall, is featured. There was a real“On The Spot”, a 1953-54 TV show starring Lloyd Bochner and Fred Davis, which was a series of documentaries on aspects of life in Canada.
Trivia: Mentions Re, the Egyption Sun God - this is a lettering? mistake; the God is RA
Trivia: Mentions Croesus when Hall becomes rich - In Greek and Persian cultures the name of Croesus, king of Lydia from 560 to 547 BC, became a synonym for a wealthy man
Trivia: Mentions Pharaoh Ikhhnaton, probably a misspelling of Ikhnaton, another name for Amenhotep IV, who ruled from 1541-1520BC
For Sale: Your Future (text feature) (2 pages)
Script George Kashdan (signed)
Factoid about unscroupulous fortune tellers
The Camera That Could Rob (comic story) (6 pages)
Script: ?
Pencils: Leonard Starr
Inks: Leonard Starr
Characters: Adam Hale; Oscar, a cat; Mrs. Van Cleve
Synopsis: Adam Hale murders his neighbor, a scientist, to acquire a 3-D camera he invented. After being struck by lighting, the camera opens a window to where the photo was taken, allowing anyone to retrieve objects through photo. The police trick him into stealing radioactive gold, so Hale escapes into the camera – forever!
Genre: Science Fiction
Trivia: Hale’s apartment overlooks the Pascack Canal
Note: title is slightly different on the cover
Ad: National Sports Council: “We’ll ripple your body with muscles and load TNT in your fists” (1 page)
Features photos of sports figures Joe Lewis, Bob Cousy, Ted Kluszewski
Ad: Littleton Stamp Co.: “Boys! Girls! Mothers! Dads! Take ‘em free” (1 page)
Ad: Stephens Credit Sales: “Do you want spending money? Sell these popular Patriotic and Religious Mottoes” (1 page)
Ad: Daisy Manufacturing Co.: “Time to get a Daisy and get in on the fun!” (1 page)